Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO
Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
for the year ended
28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity Number SC044641
Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity No SC044641
Index Page 3 Reference & Administrative Information Page 4 Structure Governance & Management Objectives & Activities Page 5 - 7 Achievements & Performance Page 8 Financial Review & Statement of Trustees Page 9 Receipts & Payments Account Statement of Balances Page 10 Notes to the Accounts Page 11 Independent Examiners Report
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Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity No SC044641
Reference and Administrative Information
Charity Name:
Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO
Charity Registration Number: SC044641 Contact Address: Invercraig Springfield Terrace St Boswells Roxburghshire TD6 0EP
Principal Office-bearers/Trustees
Chairperson Ian Murdie Treasurer Kenneth Ovens Secretary John Spiteri Trustee Kevin Clark Trustee Robert Terra from16th June 25
Trustees who left during the Year
Gordon McScotland Resigned 16[th] June 25
Independent Examiner
Sue Bennett 21 Dounehill Jedburgh TD8 6LJ
Bankers:
Unity Trust Bank plc Nine Brindlypalce BIRMINGHAM B1 2HB
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Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity No SC044641
Structure Governance & Management
Governing Document
The organisation is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with OSCR on the 11[th] February 2014.
Appointment of Trustees
At each AGM, the members may elect any member to be a charity trustee. The board may at any time appoint any member (unless he/she is debarred from membership) to be a charity trustee. At each AGM, all of the charity trustees must retire from office - but may then be re-elected.
Objectives & Activities
The Charities Charitable Purpose:
As set out in the ‘Constitution’ and ‘The Charities and Trustee Investments (Scotland) Act 2005’ the purpose(s) of Hawick Acorn Project Imitative SCIO (HAPi) are the following: -
- The Relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.
Any other purpose that may reasonably be regarded as analogous to any of the preceding purposes.
Summary of the main activities in relation to these objectives:
The organisation's beneficiaries are:
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Older people
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People with disabilities or health problems.
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Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity No SC044641
Achievements & Performance
This has a been a very successful year, for HAPi. The Bike Project, has benefitted from significant changes in the organisation and the expansion of facilities at their Carnarvon Street premises. Meanwhile, with the support of KEC staff and management, and a substantial contribution by the Community Pay Back Team, great progress has been made in the development of the Therapeutic Garden.
HAPi Bikes
The recycling of bikes from SBC Recycling Hubs, plus some donated by the Police and Hawick residents, continues apace.
New Systems and improvements to the premises
The impact of Kevin Clark and Rob Terras on the bike project in particular is appreciated, with significant improvements to the work shop and retail spaces within the Carnarvon Street premises. These changes were made possible by the project taking on another room at the premises, and the construction of a mezzanine floor in what had been a dual-purpose work shop and retail space. A new colour coded system was introduced, which classified bikes on entry to the project establishing the final destination of the bike, whether it be for Africa, cannibalisation of parts or service and resale or donation. The name attached of the person working on the bike, helps considerably to avoid confusion or disappointment by customers, on finding ‘their’ bike has been sold to someone else.
Access
Concerns over the access area remain; with the road surface requiring urgent attention. The council are involved, but a local resident who appears to own or have some rights over the area does not appear to be very cooperative. There is the possibility of SBC providing alternative premises for a small rent; this is being investigated.
Income and bikes recycled
At the end of the financial year, HAPi have sold 486 bikes for an income of £16136, with 300 bikes (3) loads going to our partners Bikes for Africa. A payment of £300 per load was made to HAPi, in this financial year. In the previous year (2024/2025) HAPi sold 423 bikes, for £13130. Bikes for Africa have now resolved the issues with SEPA, which compromised the number of bikes available from SBC. In 2026, the project expects to get more bikes,providing a choice of better-quality bikes to sell, and possibly send more bikes to Africa. The project is looking forward to more income in the current year,and HAPi volunteers continue to turn up and help to service, repair and recycle more bikes.
Training
Two trustees who also volunteer with HAPi, Kevin and Robert have now completed the Sustrans silver course in bike maintenance and road safety, and are looking forward to the gold. The project will then have qualified bike mechanics, to certify any repairs that we carry out. This ensures that HAPi can receive, SBC funding. Up to 15 volunteers attend HAPi Bikes through the year, and Kevin and Robert run bike maintenance and safer cycling courses with local schools.
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Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity No SC044641
Achievements & Performance cont’d
HAPi Gardening
Therapeutic Garden
There has been significant progress in developments of the Therapeutic Garden, in the grounds of the Katherine Elliot Centre this year. Collaboration with the SBC Community Payback Team has provided significant impetus with the injection of enthusiastic youthful labour, supervised by skilled staff. The CPB Team also have access, to their own tooled workshop. Stocks of wood, and other materials previously purchased by HAPi for the Therapeutic Garden, have been a useful resource, enabling rapid progress. KEC staff and service users, are becoming increasingly involved and four volunteers, regularly attend Friday sessions, with other sessions during the summer months.
Projects under taken in the past year, in collaboration with the KEC, Community Payback Team and Mens Shed
1.Five planters were built from recycled timber, salvaged by HAPi and the Jedburgh Men’s Shed. Another four planterswere built by the CPB Team, using timber bought by HAPi through the SBC Community Grant in 2024. KEC staff and clients planted some of the new planters and helped with the watering, through a dry spring and summer. Some old planters that were becoming dangerous were decommissioned, and positive comments were made by people using the KEC, regarding the increase in flowers in the spring and summer months.
2.Every autumn, more spring bulbs are planted in the lawns, and this year in collaboration with the KEC, tyres were painted and planted up with daffodils. Hopefully, they will give a good display shortly.
3.The lavenders and William Austin Roses planted the previous autumn and spring past, made a good show of colour through the summer months and their fragrance was appreciated.
4.A Gazebo purchased by HAPi with a grant from a local wind farm, was erected by the CPBTeam, after the site was cleared by KEC staff and HAPi volunteers. The old greenhouse was removed, and relocated for a donation of £100. This was an excellent example of collaboration between the KEC s, the CPB Team and HAPi. A power supply was upgraded, to provide lighting; paid for by the KEC.
5.Benches; two were refurbished by the CPB Team , and three were constructed from hard wood kits purchased by HAPi.
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Fence panels; eleven trellis panels were erected by the CPB Team.
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Repairs made to the polytunnel by HAPi.
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A major effort to remove brambles, saplings and dock is finally making an impact, Shrubs and trees obstructing paths and windows, are pruned by HAPi and The Green Team.
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The clearing of leaves and branches, litter collection and weeding, keeping paths and exits clear is ongoing.
Vegetable Garden
Due to the limited availability of labour, potatoes were again the main crop. Our attempt to grow Chinese onions planted in the autumn, were largely unsuccessful. Both crops were compromised, by a lack of rain. For the third -year running, potatoes
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Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity No SC044641
Achievements & Performance cont’d
grown in containers were much more successful. Being easier to keep watered, and to weed and harvest, made all the difference.
Polytunnel
Some tomatoes were successfully grown, and this winter work was started to make the poly tunnel mor wheel chair friendly. This work, is nearing completion. Advice has been requested from the Burnfoot Hub, where they have a very productive poly tunnel.
Garage, workshop, sheds and out buildings
A lot of work has gone into tidying out an out building and a garage, for the storage of materials and providing a work space in wet weather. A new power supply, was also added. One shed was re-roofed after storm damage, and the sorting and tidying of the ‘main garage is ongoing as time permits.
Work Plan for 2026
1.CPB Team doing an audit of remaining timber to establish how many more raised beds can be built in the vegetable garden, and poly tunnel by the CPB Team. 2.CBP Team to work together with HAPi, to make the vegetable garden and the poly tunnel as wheel chair friendly as possible.
3.Seedlings will be planted in the poly tunnel, to provide flowers and salad crops. We are looking to collaborate with the Burnfoot hub, regarding sharing knowledge and plants.
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Some refurbishment and replacement of old and damaged tools required; removing so many brambles and saplings has taken its toll.
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The KEC is investigating approaches by prospective volunteers, to assist in the gardens.
The overall conclusion for HAPI in 2025, was significant developments in both parts of the project, with increased collaboration with partners and a loyal body of volunteers. New Trustees and volunteers have injected new ideas and energy, into the project.
HAPi Bikes generates vital income for the project, fiscal sustainability was always a key aim, when HAPi was set up. HAPi gardening previously raised a small amount of income through collaboration with a local recycling company, unfortunately Covid put a stop to this initiative. An alternative independent income stream for HAPi Gardening has not been established. Small amounts of funding from grants and donations of tools and materials have made significant contributions to the projects. The past year has seen the benefits of closer working ties with partners, and HAPi looks forward to more collaborations in 2026.
The Trustees, were greatly saddened at the death of a young volunteer who gave generously of his time to both aspects of HAPi, in the gardens and helping out with IT and other tasks for HAPi Bikes. He is greatly missed, and this was conveyed to his family.
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Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity No SC044641
Financial Review & Statement of Trustees
Financial Review & Reserves
At this time the charity has no income generation stream to assist with the running of the project. However it does aim to have at a minimum six months running costs once established
Details of any deficit
There was no financial deficit this year.
Details of Donated Facilities & Services:
The Charity benefits from the time given by all the Trustees to the running of the Charity, including monitoring, supervision and meeting times.
Trustee Remuneration and Expenses
No payments or expenses were paid or reimbursed to Trustees in the current year.
Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
The members of the Charity must prepare financial statements which give sufficient detail to enable an appreciation of the transactions of the Charity during the financial year. The members of the Charity are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which, on request, must reflect the financial position of the Charity at that time. This must be done to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and must take reasonable steps for the prevention and/or detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf
ian murdie
……………………………………………………… Ian Murdie Chairperson
Date: 18.05.26
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Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity No SC044641
Receipts & Payments Accounts Year Ended 28[th] February 2026
| Approved and signed on behalf of the Signed: Note Receipts Grants 1 Fund Raising Income Charitable Activities Income 2 Total Receipts Payments Fundraising Costs Charitable Activities Expenses 3 Examination of Accounts Total Payments Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Transfer Between Funds Closing Balances Statement of Balances Year ended 28th February 2026 Opening Balances Surplus/(Deficit) for year Closing balances Other Assets List of equipment in notes 4 Liabilities No outstanding liabilities kenneth ovens, treasurer |
Unrestricted Funds 2,800.00 0.00 16,311.00 |
Restricted Funds 4,999.44 0.00 0.00 |
Total 2026 7,799.44 0.00 16,311.00 |
Total 2025 5,993.36 0.00 15,660.00 21,653.36 0.00 25,894.44 175.00 26,069.44 (4,416.08) (4,416.08) Total 2025 28,241.59 (4,416.08) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19,111.00 | 4,999.44 | 24,110.44 | ||||
| 0.00 15,534.70 175.00 |
0.00 750.00 0.00 |
0.00 16,284.70 175.00 |
||||
| 15,709.70 | 750.00 | 16,459.70 | ||||
| 3,401.30 0.00 |
4,249.44 0.00 |
7,650.74 | ||||
| 3,401.30 | 4,249.44 | 7,650.74 | ||||
| Unrestricted Funds 23,075.51 3,401.30 |
Restricted Funds 750.00 4,249.44 |
Total 2026 23,825.51 7,650.74 |
||||
| 26,476.81 | 4,999.44 | 31,476.25 | 23,825.51 | |||
| Trustees Date: 6,703 18.05.26 |
6,669 |
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Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity No SC044641
Notes to the Accounts
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grants | ||
| Sustrans | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 | |
| SBC | 800.00 | 1,933.36 | |
| Borders Community Action | 4,999.44 | 0.00 | |
| Cycling UK | 0.00 | 2,000.00 | |
| Total | 7,799.44 | 5,993.36 | |
| 2 | Charitable Activities Income | ||
| Donations | 175.00 | 2,530.00 | |
| Sale of Bikes | 16,136.00 | 13,130.00 | |
| Total | 16,311.00 | 15,660.00 | |
| 3 | Charitable Activities Expenses | ||
| Project Worker | 0.00 | 7,662.46 | |
| SBSEC – Admin Wages | 0.00 | 126.00 | |
| Materials | 472.79 | 8,366.72 | |
| Equipment | 34.00 | 375.34 | |
| Bike Repairs & Costs | 3,691.00 | 3,485.00 | |
| Postage & Stationery | 9.00 | 2.40 | |
| Trustee Mileage | 211.00 | 57.60 | |
| Insurance | 1,548.49 | 1,479.38 | |
| Electric/ Water Rates | 723.82 | 696.83 | |
| Rent | 3,675.00 | 3,300.00 | |
| Property Costs | 4,198.60 | 259.31 | |
| Bank Charges | 72.00 | 83.40 | |
| Ability Borders – Access Audit | 750.00 | 0.00 | |
| Velotech Bronze Course x 2 | 800.00 | 0.00 | |
| TD9 Radio – Promotion | 99.00 | 0.00 | |
| Total | 16,284.70 | 25,894.44 | |
| 4 | List of Equipment Held as at 28th February 2026 | ||
| 2025 Add |
2026 | ||
| Power Tools & Accessories | 535 | 535 | |
| Garden Tools | 1,835 |
1,835 | |
| Wheel barrow | 40 | 40 | |
| Lawn Mower & Hedge Trimmers | 1,234 |
1,234 | |
| Greenhouse | 1,388 |
1,388 | |
| Polytunnel | 1,637 |
1,637 | |
| HP Deskjet 2820e Printer | 0 34 |
34 |
|
| Total | 6,669 0 |
6,703 |
5 Purposes of Funds
The balance of funds at the year-end are unrestricted
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Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28[th] February 2026
Scottish Charity No SC044641
The accounts have been prepared in line with the Receipts & Payments method.
Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts
Hawick Acorn Project Initiative SCIO Scottish Charity SC044641
For the Period to 28[th] February 2026 Set out on pages 9 to 10
Receptive Responsibilities of Trustee & Examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
have not been met, or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name of Examiner
Sue Bennett Dip Business & Finance
sue bennett Signed ____ Dated ____
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Hawick Acoin Project Inrtiative SCIO Annual Report & Accounts 28th February 2026 Scottish Charity No SC044641 Address 21 Dounehill Jedburgh TD8 6LJ 12